Star Pavilion Bounty and the Shadow of Guixu

The hustle and bustle of Chang'an City seemed tireless, but Su Yan's heart had already flown to the tranquil starry sky. After strengthening Little Big Dipper's Star Sharp Potion, he didn't linger. When night fell again and star power was abundant, he once again activated the [Star Pavilion Token].

The portal of starlight swirled, and Su Yan, with Little Big Dipper whose aura grew sharper, returned to the Star Pavilion's grotto-heaven.

This time, his target was clear: straight to the Star Constellation Hall. Repairing the Compass required a large amount of Star Iron. Relying solely on scattered quests and personal searches was too inefficient; he needed a more stable and higher-yield acquisition method.

On the star-lit curtain in the Star Constellation Hall, quests continued to refresh. Su Yan's gaze swept over the collection, escort, and cleanup quests, finally settling on a newly appeared quest with exceptionally generous rewards:

[Investigate Star Vein Anomaly] (Difficulty: High)

Description: Recently, the Star Pavilion has detected abnormal energy fluctuations in multiple outer Star Veins (small points of concentrated star power). The nature of the fluctuations is mixed, suspected to be interfered with by an unknown force. Investigate the source of anomalies in at least three different Star Veins, record the energy properties, and assess the threat level.

Requirements: Possess strong independent combat ability and keen energy perception. Recommended Level 25+, or possess special probing methods.

Reward: 300 Pavilion Contribution Points, [Refined Star Iron] X3, Random Star Cultivation Method or Skill Book (Beginner) X1.

"Investigate Star Vein Anomaly?" Su Yan's heart stirred. Star Veins were places where star power naturally gathered, like the spiritual meridians of the earth. Anomalies there were no small matter, likely related to the activities of the "End Times Cult" or that "Guixu Rift." Moreover, the rewards were extremely rich; three pieces of [Refined Star Iron] would significantly boost the Compass's repair progress!

Although the quest recommended Level 25+, Su Yan felt that with the Compass's perception ability and Little Big Dipper's combat power, as long as he acted cautiously, completion was possible. The key was "independent combat ability" and "special probing methods," both of which he possessed.

"I'll take it!" Su Yan no longer hesitated, reaching out to accept the quest on the star-lit curtain.

The quest information immediately flowed into his sea of consciousness, marking three locations for the Star Veins to be investigated:

1. Coral Forest Star Vein, East Sea Coast of Aolai Country (Level Area: 25-30) 2. Star Vein by the Flowing Sand River, South of the Great Tang Territory (Level Area: 22-28) 3. Ice Field Rift Star Vein, North of Longevity Village (Level Area: 28-35)

"By the Flowing Sand River... I can check that out along the way." Su Yan remembered passing near the Flowing Sand River when clearing nodes before, and the Compass seemed to have reacted faintly to certain areas at the riverbed. He decided to make this his first investigation target.

Leaving the Star Pavilion, Su Yan didn't set off immediately. Instead, he went to the auction house and market in Chang'an City, using some of his savings to purchase several [Advanced Earth Escape Talismans] and [Water Repelling Pearls]. The Flowing Sand River environment was special, and it was better to be prepared. At the same time, he also replenished a large amount of precious materials needed to draw [Wood Escape] talismans; this life-saving skill could be crucial in a pinch.

After making preparations, Su Yan embarked on his journey once more, destination--the Flowing Sand River, outside the Great Tang Territory.

The Flowing Sand River, with its rolling yellow sand and turbid, rushing water, was flanked by continuous sand dunes and drought-resistant thorny bushes. This was an active area for level 25 [Sand Demons] and [River Sprites], and occasionally [Quicksand Traps] would form naturally, making danger omnipresent.

Following the quest's guidance, Su Yan arrived at a relatively gentle river bend by the Flowing Sand River. This should have been a place where star power gathered, but the air was filled with a strange, intermingled aura of heat and cold. The Compass clearly pointed to an underwater vortex in the center of the river bend, which was the Star Vein node. However, the energy emanating from the node at this moment appeared chaotic and... polluted.

"There is indeed a problem." Su Yan activated the [Water Repelling Pearl], and a faint blue light enveloped him and Little Big Dipper. He had Little Big Dipper keep watch on the shore while he took a deep breath and dived into the murky river water.

Visibility underwater was extremely low, forcing him to rely on the Compass's guidance. As he approached the center of the vortex, Su Yan saw a bizarre sight: the normally pure Star Vein node was entwined with strands of energy resembling black waterweeds. These black energies were constantly draining the Star Vein's power while emitting a nauseating, decaying aura, originating from the same source as the "Breath of the End," but damper and more viscous.

"Is this the power of 'Guixu'?" Su Yan recalled the "Guixu Rift" mentioned in the Star Pavilion quest. The nature of this energy seemed to lean towards consumption and annihilation, slightly different from the pure "ending" of the End Times Cult, but both were essentially destroyers of order.

He attempted to touch a strand of black energy with his spiritual power and immediately felt a powerful pulling force, as if his consciousness was being dragged into an endless abyss of darkness! He quickly severed the connection, feeling a lingering fear.

"Cannot clear it directly, need to record." Su Yan kept the quest requirements in mind. He took out the [Phonograph Stone] provided with the quest and meticulously recorded the scene of the Star Vein's pollution and the energy's properties. At the same time, the Compass vibrated slightly, incorporating the characteristics of this new type of anomalous energy into its database.

Just as he finished recording and prepared to ascend, the situation took a sudden turn!

The black energy entwining the Star Vein seemed to be alerted, and it abruptly split into several strands, shooting towards Su Yan like venomous snakes! Simultaneously, the riverbed mud churned, and three [Guixu Minions] (Level 26, Elite), formed from black energy and riverbed silt, emerged and roared as they lunged at Su Yan!

"Detected!" Su Yan's heart tightened, and he immediately activated [Wood Escape] without hesitation! His figure blurred underwater, appearing several meters away, narrowly dodging the entanglement of the black energy and the minions' pounce.

However, the [Guixu Minions] were extremely fast in the water and seemed able to merge with the currents, closing in again. Su Yan dared not engage in a prolonged fight, using [Immobilization Talismans] to slow down his pursuers while desperately trying to reach the surface.

"Little Big Dipper!"

The water surface exploded as Su Yan scrambled out. Little Big Dipper, who had been waiting on the bank, immediately let out a furious roar, drawing the attention of one of the pursuing [Guixu Minions].

"Armor Break!" Su Yan's feet had just touched the ground when a talisman flew out!

The yellow light struck, and the mud-and-sand body of the minion's defense plummeted. Little Big Dipper transformed into a purple blur and pounced, its enhanced claws and fangs flashing with cold light as it tore fiercely!

-388! -421! Astonishing damage numbers floated up! The effect of the [Star Sharp Potion] was immediate! Combined with [Advanced Poison] and [Life Drain], Little Big Dipper was actually suppressing a level 26 elite monster on its own!

Su Yan, facing the other two minions, unleashed a barrage of [Soul Chasing Talismans], fighting and retreating, luring them away from the riverbank. Fighting monsters that could manipulate water near the water's edge was too disadvantageous.

The battle was fierce and brief. Relying on Little Big Dipper's powerful physical burst and Su Yan's precise control, the two of them, working together, finally defeated all three [Guixu Minions]. After their deaths, these monsters did not leave solid bodies but turned into wisps of black smoke, rejoining the river, leaving behind only a few dim [Guixu Residues].

[System: Successfully repelled 'Guixu Minions', gained experience points...]

[System: Your summoned beast 'Little Big Dipper' has gained insight from confronting Guixu energy, its resistance to corrosive-type attacks has slightly increased.]

Su Yan panted, looking at the now calm but still murky river surface, his expression grave. Merely investigating had attracted such troublesome monsters; if he attempted to purify it, he might alert even more terrifying existences.

"Flowing Sand River Star Vein confirmed to be polluted by 'Guixu' type energy, threat level... medium-high." He recorded it in his quest log. The anomaly at this Star Vein was clearly related to the so-called "Guixu Rift."

He did not linger. Taking the harvested [Guixu Residues] and the recorded Phonograph Stone, he quickly left the Flowing Sand River area.

In the following days, Su Yan investigated the Coral Forest Star Vein on the East Sea coast of Aolai Country and the Ice Field Rift Star Vein north of Longevity Village.

The Coral Forest Star Vein was located in a beautiful but dangerous coral reef, affected by an anomalous energy leaning towards "chaos" and "enchantment," which had spawned numerous ferocious [Phantom Jellyfish] and [Coral Guardians]. Su Yan resisted the mental interference with his Compass and spiritual power, recorded the energy properties, and had a "small misunderstanding" with the local aquatic creatures (a group of friendly Giant Frogs?) guarding the Star Vein. He ultimately completed the investigation without major incident.

The Ice Field Rift Star Vein was even more dangerous, permeated with an extreme aura of "ice" and "dead silence," somewhat similar to the Rule Tumors of the Netherworld, but purer. Su Yan didn't even dare to get too close, only recording data from a distance with his Compass and Phonograph Stone. He encountered several powerful [Ice Soul Demons] that drove him away, and he only managed to escape using [Wood Escape].

With the investigation of the three Star Veins complete, Su Yan immediately returned to the Star Pavilion to hand in the quest.

In the Star Constellation Hall, when Su Yan submitted the three fully recorded Phonograph Stones and the quest report, a Star Official (NPC) responsible for acceptance showed a look of surprise.

"Completed so quickly? And... the anomaly nature of the three Star Veins are all different?" The Star Official carefully examined the images and data in the Phonograph Stones, his brow furrowing deeper. "Flowing Sand River is 'Guixu Erosion,' Coral Forest is 'Whispers of Chaos,' Ice Field Rift is 'Absolute Dead Silence'... This is absolutely not a natural phenomenon!"

He looked up, his gaze towards Su Yan carrying a hint of seriousness. "You have done very well. This information you've provided is extremely important. It seems the force hiding in the shadows is more active and complex than we anticipated."

[System: Quest 'Investigate Star Vein Anomaly' completed! Received 300 Pavilion Contribution Points, [Refined Star Iron] X3, Random Star Skill Book X1.]

The generous rewards were obtained! Su Yan first took out the three pieces of [Refined Star Iron]. This Star Iron had extremely high purity, far surpassing ordinary Star Iron. The Compass emitted a desirous hum upon contact with them.

Su Yan guided the Compass, and it began to absorb. Pure and immense star power surged in. The runes on the Compass lit up at an unprecedented speed, flowing! The repair progress began to soar: 43%... 46%... 49%... Finally, after the three pieces of Refined Star Iron were completely absorbed, the repair progress steadily stopped at 50%!

[System: [Damaged Compass] repair progress reached 50%!]

[System: Compass abilities greatly enhanced! 'Star Map' range now covers all known advanced regions, marking accuracy improved, new ability 'Star Track Deduction' added (can consume a large amount of mental power to perform short-term, vague causal or trajectory deductions on specific targets or events).]

[System: Partial access to hidden information database unlocked, allowing queries related to 'End Times', 'Guixu', and 'Calamity of the Era' primary secrets.]

50%! A significant milestone!

Su Yan suppressed his excitement, feeling the Compass's transformative change. The Star Map was broader and clearer, even faintly showing points of light in secret areas shrouded by powerful restrictions. As for the newly added 'Star Track Deduction' ability, although it consumed a lot and the results were vague, it might play a decisive role at a critical moment!

He immediately tried to query the hidden information database.

Information about the "End Times Cult" was still mostly sealed, with only scattered descriptions unlocked: "Worships the concept of the end, active in the shadows, dedicated to accelerating the Guixu of all things..."

About "Guixu": "The legendary endpoint of all things, a place where laws annihilate, coexisting with the 'End Times', possessing its own unique will..."

About "Calamity of the Era": "Periodic great calamities of heaven and earth, manifesting in various forms, be it a quantity calamity, a demonic calamity, or... This calamity is closely related to the activity of the 'End Times' and 'Guixu'..."

Though the information was scarce, it confirmed many of Su Yan's previous guesses and revealed a clearer corner of the world's truth.

Finally, he looked at the random Star Skill Book. With a flash of light, the skill book turned into a stream of light and merged into his brow.

[System: Congratulations on learning the Star Pavilion beginner skill -- [Starlight Bodyguard]!]

[Starlight Bodyguard] (Active Skill): Draws upon star power to form a shield on oneself or a designated target, absorbing a certain amount of damage. During the shield's duration, resistance to negative status effects is slightly increased. Cost: Medium Mana. Cooldown: Medium.

A practical defensive and supportive skill! It perfectly compensated for Su Yan's lack of survivability.

A fruitful haul! The Compass was repaired to 50%, he gained a new skill, and his Pavilion Contribution Points had also accumulated considerably.

Just as Su Yan was preparing to leave the Star Constellation Hall to exchange for some other resources, the Star Official called out to him.

"Please wait, esteemed guest." The Star Official's tone became solemn. "Your abilities are special, and you are deeply involved in this matter. The Pavilion's high-ranking members have noticed your performance. There is a more important cooperation opportunity. Do you have any interest in learning more?"

Su Yan's heart stirred, and he stopped.

A more important cooperation? The Star Pavilion's high-ranking members?

It seemed that he, the butterfly that had accidentally flapped its wings, was beginning to attract the attention of greater figures.